YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team opened its season at No. 17 Young Harris and lost a pair of contests Thursday afternoon in the debut of head coach Jaclin Poole.

The Pacers dropped the first game 4-0 before falling 9-1 in the nightcap.

In game one, Katelyn Powell registered the team's first hit under Poole with two outs in the first when she ripped a single to right field on an 0-1 pitch.

Trailing 1-0 in the third, Holly Daum belted a single through the left side, but was erased moments later.

Powell registered a one-out double in the fourth. Caitlin Mann was hit by a pitch, putting two on with two out. However, USC Aiken was unable to push across a run in the stanza.

Down 4-0 in the sixth, Jessica Stanley ripped the first pitch she saw through the infield and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from Katie Painter, but back-to-back outs ended the frame. Jessica Smith recorded a two-out single in the seventh, but a fly ball ended the game.

For the game, Powell led the team with two hits, including the double. In the circle, Caroline Cockrell worked all six frames. She posted four strikeouts in the contest.

In game two, YHC managed to plate a run in each of the first two innings before putting up five runs in the third.

Trailing 8-0 heading into the fifth inning, Emily Ayers broke through for the Pacers. She opened the inning and blasted the first offering over the left center field fence, making it 8-1. The Mountain Lions managed to plate a run in the bottom of the frame for the 9-1 final score. 

Ayers went one-for-two in the game with one RBI. Powell went one-for-two at the plate. Brooke Moore posted a team-high three assists. Rebekah Cook got the start in the circle and went three innings. Alicia Wallick tossed the final 1.2 innings. Each hurler struck out a batter.

The Pacers return to action Saturday when they play a non-conference doubleheader at Lander. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.